Ascension Islands facts for kids
 Ascension Islands
Location in Nunavut
Ascension Islands
Location in Canada
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Foxe Channel |
| Coordinates | 64°22′19″N 081°41′15″W / 64.37194°N 81.68750°W |
| Administration | |
| Territory | Nunavut |
| Region | Kivalliq |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
The Ascension Islands are a group of islands located in the far north of Canada. They are part of the Kivalliq Region in the territory of Nunavut. These islands are found in the Foxe Channel, which is a part of the larger Foxe Basin. They are northwest of Caribou Island. The Ascension Islands are known for being completely uninhabited, meaning no people live there permanently.
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Where Are the Ascension Islands?
The Ascension Islands are situated in a very remote part of the Canadian Arctic. They are offshore islands of Southampton Island, a much larger island nearby. The Foxe Channel is a body of water that connects the Hudson Bay area to the Arctic Ocean.
Foxe Basin and Channel
The Foxe Basin is a large, shallow ocean basin in the Canadian Arctic. It is surrounded by several islands, including Baffin Island and Southampton Island. The Foxe Channel is a strait that links the Foxe Basin to the Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay. These waters are often covered in ice for much of the year.
Nunavut is Canada's largest and newest territory. It covers a huge area of the Arctic, including many islands. The landscape is mostly tundra, which is a flat, treeless plain. It has a very cold climate. This region is home to the Inuit people, who have lived there for thousands of years.
Life in the Arctic
Even though the Ascension Islands are uninhabited by humans, they are part of an ecosystem that supports various Arctic animals. The harsh climate makes it a challenging place to live.
Arctic Climate
The climate in the Ascension Islands area is polar. This means winters are very long, cold, and dark. Temperatures can drop far below freezing. Summers are short and cool, with temperatures often staying close to freezing. The ground is usually permafrost, which is permanently frozen soil.
Wildlife of the Region
The waters around the Ascension Islands are rich in marine life. These animals are adapted to the cold environment.
- Polar bears often roam the ice and land in search of food.
- Seals like ringed seals and bearded seals are common. They use the ice for resting and giving birth.
- Walruses can also be found in these waters.
- Many types of seabirds nest on the cliffs and shores during the warmer months.
- Arctic foxes and caribou might also be seen on larger landmasses nearby.
Why Are the Islands Uninhabited?
Many islands in the Canadian Arctic are uninhabited. This is mainly due to the extreme weather conditions and lack of resources.
- Harsh Climate: The very cold temperatures and long winters make it difficult for people to live comfortably.
- Limited Resources: There are no trees for building or fuel. Fresh water can be scarce, especially in winter.
- Isolation: The islands are very remote and hard to reach. This makes transportation and getting supplies difficult.
Despite being uninhabited, these islands play an important role in the Arctic ecosystem. They provide habitats for wildlife and are part of the vast, wild beauty of Canada's north.
